Vegan Skincare: What It Means and Why It Matters

Have you found yourself browsing skincare products in a store or on a website lately and noticed something different? Maybe you’ve noticed a growing number of skincare brands being labeled as “cruelty-free,” “all-natural,” or “vegan” and wondered: what makes these skincare brands different from skincare brands who don’t market themselves as vegan, natural, and cruelty-free? If you’ve noticed this new category of skincare and have no clue what it means, then look no further. Here’s the breakdown.

Vegan skincare simply means that a skincare brand’s production doesn't involve testing on animals and their products don’t contain any animal ingredients.  Labeling skincare as vegan may be confusing to some people seeing that the term is usually associated with someone’s diet. Although this association is accurate, it only scratches the surface of what it means to be vegan. 

What is Veganism?

A plant-based diet is only a practice that complements a philosophy. This philosophy has many intersecting values such as animal rights, well-being, and sustainability. In other words, veganism is a lifestyle and way of living that advocates against the exploitation and cruelty of animals, human beings, and the earth. 

People choose to go vegan for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s a principled stand against the exploitation of animals and for others, it may be due to environmental concerns. Being vegan is reflected in what one chooses to support whether that is what they eat, wear, or other products they choose to purchase.  The core belief behind vegan cosmetics and skincare is that no animals should be harmed or exploited in any way in the production of these products. Opting for vegan skincare formulations aligns with values of compassion, sustainability, and a plant-based lifestyle.

Although becoming a full-fledged vegan isn’t viable for everyone, doing one small thing like consciously choosing skincare products that align with your values is a vote for ethical and sustainable consumerism.

Why is Vegan Skincare on the Rise? 

The vegan skincare industry is currently a $16.9 billion industry that is expected to expand to $25.9 billion by 2030. With the growing interest in vegan skincare, it begs the question: why are people gravitating toward it? 

One reason why people are embracing vegan skincare is because of lifestyle reasons with more and more people wanting the brands on their bathroom shelves to reflect their values. This isn’t to say that you have to be vegan to want to use vegan skincare products. Some people simply want to apply the highest-quality, natural ingredients to their skin or support brands that are committed to sustainability principles and practices.

The growing desire to align one’s values with their purchasing choices speaks to the awareness many people have of the impact of their spending.  Simple economics show the importance of voting with your dollar. When there is a demand for something supply increases and we are seeing the beauty industry shift toward vegan ingredients and sustainability - which is a good thing for all!

What is the Difference Between Vegan and Non-Vegan Skincare Products?

Up to now, you probably never questioned how your skincare products were made. How a company produces, packages, and distributes its products determines whether they are vegan or non-vegan. 

Many skincare brands aren’t vegan. This means their products or the ingredients in their products are tested on animals and/or contain animal ingredients.  

The ingredients in a skincare product may appear to not have anything from an animal at first glance. However, many animal ingredients are overlooked simply because many of us aren’t familiar with certain ingredients and their origins. For example, popular ingredients such as gelatin (obtained by boiling animal bones and offal), glucosamine (derived from the bone marrow of chickens), and lactose (a type of sugar that comes from milk) are sourced from animals and can be found in a variety of skincare products. Honey and beeswax would also be included in the list of ingredients that are sourced from animals.

You can tell if a skincare brand is vegan by looking for certification such as Leaping Bunny or PETA Beauty without Bunnies. If a brand doesn’t have certification, don’t write them off just yet. You can look at the ingredients of a brand’s products alongside a little research to learn about their production. Many vegan brands use plant-based ingredients and are transparent about their formulas, making it easy to decipher ingredients, and they aren’t afraid to share information about their production. 

Caraline is in the process of getting our vegan and cruelty-free certifications – we believe this not only helps our customers understand our commitment to vegan and cruelty-free but also reinforces the work we have put into creating our plant-based formulas.

Are Vegan Skincare Products Cruelty-Free?

Fundamentally, vegan beauty means that the products don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients, while cruelty-free means that the products have not been tested on animals. It is important to note that a product can be vegan but still have undergone animal testing, or be cruelty-free but include animal ingredients.

The lack of clear regulations from the Food and Drug Administration complicates the issue. However, several organizations have stepped in to provide labels indicating whether a product is vegan or cruelty-free, with the Leaping Bunny Program being one of the most reputable in terms of clarifying cruelty-free status. This program certifies companies in the personal care and household product industry that ensure no animal testing is conducted at any point, from ingredient sourcing through production.  As for vegan certifications, the Vegan Society is a trusted, international vegan certification.

Is Caraline Skincare Vegan? 

Here at Caraline, we believe in creating products that nourish and support the skin with plant-based ingredients that are organic or natural, and packaged in recyclable containers. We use plant oils in the Daily Nourish Face Oil and plant hydrosols of rose, cucumber, helichrysum, and rose geranium, plus extracts of green tea and Kakadu plum in the Daily Hydrate Face Mist. We believe in the nourishing and healing power of plants and their benefits for the skin.

Similar to veganism, our skincare products are more than products; they are a result of a philosophy. 

Caraline Skincare’s Age Positivity Philosophy 

Like the philosophy of veganism, Caraline Skincare believes in being conscious of our actions and their impact on the planet and our community. That means being aware of the messages we align with and what we choose to create as well as how we create it. 

Our philosophy was created in response to the condemning messaging around aging in the skincare industry. You know? The “anti-this” and “anti-that” products that promise to erase and reverse the effects of time. We wanted to create products that embrace and celebrate the natural process of aging instead of buying into the messages that say that we should be ashamed and attempt to turn back the clock.

This philosophy is the backbone of our vegan, plant-based skincare. Every time someone uses our products, we want it to be a small act of rebellion. Because what better way to stick it to anti-aging propaganda than to care for and flaunt what you got? 

Is Vegan Skincare Better for Aging and Mature Skin? 

Caraline Skincare is intentionally made for those born sometime before 1975. This is because our skin naturally develops unique needs over time that can be supported with simple, plant-based ingredients.  Contrary to popular belief, we don’t need chemically dense products to nourish and treat our skin as we age. We can do it in a way that is both natural and effective.

Various plant ingredients contain omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytosterols that provide nourishing and hydrating benefits- these ingredients are the basis of our Daily Nourish Face Oil and Daily Hydrate Face Mist. These ingredients include organic, cold-pressed seed and nut oils and organic plant hydrosols and they are packed with quality, nutrient-rich ingredients that can easily be absorbed into the skin. While we had older skin in mind when we formulated these products, they work wonderfully for almost all skin types!

How Are Vegan Products Tested for Safety and Efficacy?

We never test on animals (and never will!), nor do our suppliers, as we vet each one for their policies regarding animal testing.  However, product safety and efficacy are still very important.

As we formulate our products, we meticulously select ingredients that are recognized as safe and suitable for the intended purpose of the product. We conduct extensive research on the ingredients’ properties, potential side effects, and compatibility with other components.

Once we have finalized our formulas, we test our products for shelf life and stability.  This involves subjecting the products to various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure over an extended period. This testing helps identify any potential changes in the product’s appearance, texture, fragrance, or efficacy.  By ensuring product stability, we can guarantee consistent quality throughout its shelf life.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you’re looking for vegan skincare products that align with a cruelty-free philosophy or you simply want to care for your skin with quality, plant-based products, you’ll find all that and more with Caraline Skincare.

There’s no question that more and more consumers are seeking out vegan skincare, reflecting a desire for a more conscious and eco-friendly future.  Because we believe in the need to create skincare products that are ethical and sustainable, Caraline Skincare is here to support your skin with quality, vegan products while representing what matters to you.